Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati)
Valentine’s Day brings with it a special kind of magic, the kind that’s often celebrated through heartfelt gestures and, of course, delicious treats. One such treat that encapsulates this spirit is Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati). These luscious cookies are not only rich with flavors but also boast a delightful chewy texture, thanks to the combination of soft dried figs and roasted almonds. They are beautifully adorned with colorful sprinkles, making them a vibrant addition to any festive table.
Table of Contents
My fondest memory of these cookies comes from my childhood kitchen, where the scent of baking wafted through the air, teasing our senses long before the cookies were ready. For me, making Italian Fig Cookies is a wonderful way to celebrate love and togetherness. It’s a time-consuming but rewarding journey, leading to cookies that are truly a labor of love. With the perfect balance of flavors and a beautiful presentation, these cookies are bound to impress your loved ones. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on crafting these delightful treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Despite the preparation time, these cookies are straightforward to make and perfect for baking enthusiasts at any skill level.
- Irresistible Flavor: Featuring the delightful sweetness of figs and hints of cinnamon, each bite is a journey into flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The festive sprinkles add a pop of color, making them perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a special dessert, or a sweet gift for a loved one.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Simple substitutions can make this recipe fit various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups (9oz/250 grams) all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for the cookies. You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- ½ cup + 1 Tbsp (4oz/125 grams) unsalted butter: Ensures a rich, buttery flavor. For a lighter version, you may use coconut oil.
- ¾ cup (3oz/80 grams) powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough, adding a touch of elegance.
- 1 medium-sized egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture to the dough.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor; pure vanilla is preferred for a richer taste.
- 2 cups (340 grams) soft dried figs: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a chewy texture. Look for figs without added sugars for the best results.
- 1 cup (150 grams) roasted almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness; walnuts can be an excellent alternate choice.
- (5oz/150 grams) dark chocolate bar or chips (70% or 85% cocoa preferred): Provides a rich, decadent flavor that complements the sweetness of the figs.
- (4oz/120 grams) candied orange peel: Adds a citrusy brightness; feel free to omit if you prefer a simpler flavor profile.
- (4oz/120 grams) honey: Functions as a natural sweetener; maple syrup can be used as a substitute for a vegan option.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: This warm spice elevates the flavor, making the cookies even more aromatic.
- 1 small orange zest (approx 1 tbsp): Brightens up the flavor profile and ties in with the candied orange peel.
- 1 pasteurized egg white (from a large egg), at room temperature: Used for the icing, ensuring it maintains a glossy finish; aquafaba can substitute for a vegan option.
- 1 cup (approx 120-130 grams) powdered sugar: Used for the icing, providing sweetness.
- ½ tsp lemon juice: Adds brightness to the icing.
- Colored sprinkles: For decoration, bringing the festive spirit to life.
How to Make Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati)
Make the Pastry Dough: To start, follow your favorite recipe for shortcrust pastry dough, which adds a tender, flaky dimension to the cookies. Be sure to wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 2 days) to firm up.
Roast the Almonds: Preheat your oven to 170°C/340°F and spread the almonds onto a baking tray. Roast them for about 8-10 minutes until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. This step pulls out a deeper nutty flavor that enhances the cookies.
Prepare the Fig Mixture: Snip off the hard stems from the soft dried figs and toss them into a food processor. Pulse until they are chopped but still maintain some texture. Transfer the chopped figs to a large mixing bowl once ready.
Mix with Chocolate and Nuts: Chop the dark chocolate and roasted almonds using a chef’s knife or pulse them in a food processor until roughly chopped. Add all of these to the bowl with the figs.
Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add in the candied orange peel, honey, cinnamon, and orange zest. Using your hands, mix everything together until well combined. This step is crucial for ensuring every cookie is packed with flavor.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: While you continue assembling the cookies, preheat your oven to 175°C/350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Divide the Dough: Using a sharp knife, slice your shortcrust pastry dough into 4 equal pieces. It’s easier to work with individual pieces, so keep three refrigerated while you work with one.
Roll Out the Dough: Lightly dust a work surface with flour and roll out one piece of dough into a rectangle, approximately 11×5 inches (30x14cm). This will serve as your pastry strip.
Form the Cookies: With moistened hands, take some fig filling and form a log that you place in the center of the pastry strip. Fold the sides over the log, sealing gently, and then turn the log upside down to keep the seam at the bottom.
Slice for Baking: Use a sharp knife to cut the log into 10 individual cookies. You should be able to fit two logs (approximately 20 cookies) on a single baking sheet. Repeat the process until all the dough and filling is used.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack.
Make the Icing: While the cookies cool, grab a medium bowl and an electric mixer. Beat the pasteurized egg white until soft peaks form, then gradually add in the 1 cup of powdered sugar and the lemon juice. Continue mixing for 3-4 minutes until you achieve a thick consistency.
Ice the Cookies: Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies, or for a different approach, dip each cookie upside down to coat only the tops. It’s fun to decorate them immediately with colorful sprinkles so they adhere nicely to the icing.
Set to Dry: Allow the cookies to rest on a wire rack until the icing dries completely. This will ensure the frosting sets beautifully on each cookie.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Valentine Italian Fig Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you prefer a longer shelf life, they can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. For freezing, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in a warm oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their delightful texture.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining ingredients for the filling, mix just until combined to prevent a dense texture.
- Egg Temperature: Use room temperature eggs for both dough and icing for better blending.
- Give It Time: Let the dough rest in the refrigerator; this helps in rolling it out more easily.
- Watch Baking Times: Keep an eye on the cookies as ovens can vary; you want a light golden edge, not brown.
- Flavor Enhancements: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth.
- Make-Ahead Magic: The dough can be made a couple of days in advance. Just keep it tightly wrapped.
These Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati) are more than just a sweet treat; they are a celebration of tradition and a wonderful way to share love. With their blend of rich flavors and tender textures, you’re sure to create a delightful experience for your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, bring some joy into your kitchen, and indulge in the process of making these delectable cookies!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these cookies in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to two days ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator. You can bake the cookies a day in advance as well; they store well in an airtight container.
How can I adjust the sweetness levels?
If you prefer less sweetness, consider reducing the amount of honey and powdered sugar slightly. Also, using unsweetened chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips can help balance the flavors.
What can I substitute for the pasteurized egg white?
Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, can serve as a suitable egg white substitute for the icing, especially for vegan versions of this recipe.
Is it okay to use different nuts in this recipe?
Certainly! While almonds and walnuts provide a delightful crunch, you can experiment with pecans or hazelnuts as alternative options to suit your taste preferences.
PrintMore Desserts & Appetizers Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati)
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 95 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Valentine Italian Fig Cookies (cuccidati) are a delightful treat with a unique flavor profile thanks to figs, almonds, and dark chocolate. Ideal for celebrations and gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare, making it a must-try for those seeking enjoyable homemade baked goods.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (9oz/250 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup + 1 Tbsp (4oz/125 grams) unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (3oz/80 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 medium-sized egg
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (340 grams) soft dried figs
- 1 cup (150 grams) roasted almonds
- (5oz/150 grams) dark chocolate bar or chips (70% or 85% cocoa are best)
- (4oz/120 grams) candied orange peel
- (4oz/120 grams) honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 small orange zest (approx 1 tbsp)
- 1 pasteurized egg white (from a large egg), at room temperature
- 1 cup (approx 120–130 grams) powdered sugar (icing sugar if you're in the UK)
- ½ tsp lemon juice
- coloured sprinkles, to decorate
Instructions
- Prepare the shortcrust pastry dough according to the recipe instructions.
- Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to 2 days before using.
Notes
For the best flavor, let the dough chill for the full 2 hours.
Use high-quality dark chocolate for richer taste.
Feel free to customize the decorations with your favorite sprinkles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
